Letter: The Constitution Does Not Govern America 8/26/15

Recently I wrote a letter to the Naples Daily News about the governing philosophy of the Founding Fathers – “the soundness of government depended more upon the quality of leaders than the quality of laws” – William Penn

Letter: Key to governing

One of the biggest misunderstandings citizens have today is that the Constitution governs America. It does not.

During the framing of the Constitution, delegate John Francis Mercer declared, “It is a great mistake to suppose that the paper we are to propose will govern the United States. The paper will only mark out the mode and the form. Men are the substance and must do the business.”

William Paterson, a signer of the Constitution, reminded citizens: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” Paterson was quoting Proverbs 29:2.

Therefore, the key to good government falls on the citizens to elect leaders with moral and religious integrity. Founding Father Noah Webster instructed his students: “Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty. If the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted.”

The church and our educational institutions taught citizens God’s character qualifications for rulers. The Rev. Chandler Robbins declared that rulers should be “just men — fearers of God — haters of covetousness” Exodus 18:21.

That they “shake their hands from holding bribes” Isaiah 33:15, because, “a gift blindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous” Exodus 23:8.

In Luke 19:13, Jesus said, “occupy till I come” or remain engaged in the culture until I return. I think we can all agree that all it takes for evil to prosper is for good men or women to do nothing.

I have run for every office except Judge and President. The public is hoodwinked by images and despise what might look “radical,” that is, an Individual standing for what is Right.The general question is: “Who are you with?” not “What do you stand for?” or “Will you keep your oath to uphold the Constitution or your State and Nation, without mental reservation?” One running for office should fear what the LORD will do to them if they break their oath. Paul stretched forth the hand…took a solemn oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…”